Happy new year everyone! You know what that means … a new chance to start (or continue) some healthy lifestyle habits. Whether you are a newbie to the wellness scene or you have been treating your body and mind to healthy decisions for a while, we’ve got a fitness challenge that can help you continue the path toward your best health!

Why a fitness challenge?

We have faith in you that you could reach your fitness goals all by yourself, but isn’t it fun to add a little challenge into the mix? Instead of just making a resolution to go to the gym this month, we are here to give you some specific things to tick off your to-do list that can help you to create better habits and reach the health goals you have set for 2023. And it is just more fun to do something as a community!

1. Dive in this January!

Our first fitness challenge for you this month is to try out one of the aquatics classes at the Hancock Wellness Centers. You probably think of swimming as a relaxing activity during the summer months, but it doesn’t have to stop when snow falls to the ground. Dive in at one of the pools available to members of the wellness centers and see what water can do to help you build strength and stamina. Not only that, working out in the water is easy on the joints, so if you find your knees or hips feeling achy when the temps drop, this gentle but effective activity may help to keep you moving longer! Enjoy a wide range of group exercise classes such as Aqua Walk, Aqua Tabata, Aqua Zumba and even Aqua Yoga! 

2. Incorporate veggies into your breakfast

Vegetables for breakfast? What? That’s right…we are challenging you to get more of these nutrient packed plant friends into your diet. Eating more vegetables affects every part of your well-being, from your mind to your physical body. Look forward to more energy, less sniffles and glowing skin by adding some greens to your eggs or smoothie. Need some inspiration? Here are some of our favorite recipes:

• Lemony Chard and Egg White Frittata – Making a frittata at the beginning of the week is a fool proof way to have a couple of days of healthy, ready-made breakfasts. You can add any veggies you like, and although this recipe calls for chard, you can sub greens or spinach too depending on what is available at the grocery.
• Beet Hash with Eggs – Beets and potatoes come together in this recipe for a beautiful mix of colors and nutrients that will keep you going strong all day. 
• Green smoothies – If you are a smoothie fan, try adding some green veggies into your morning mashup. This website has some great smoothie ideas that will even have kids asking for more. 

3. Workout with a buddy

If you are hitting the gym as part of your new year’s resolution, we are challenging you to find a workout buddy! Working out on your own can be difficult this time of year, especially when motivation is low. Grab a friend for an added dose of stress relief and the inspiration to keep going. If you don’t have anyone you want to work out with yet, joining in a group exercise class at one of your local Hancock Wellness Centers is a surefire way to gain some community. 

Cheers to 2023 and creating healthy habits that will last a lifetime!